Humbledon outdoor activity recieves funding to stage event

A recreational activity group helping disabled people is receiving support to stage its annual event after receiving a donation from Community Champions.

In 2021 Humbledon Outdoor Activity Association applied for financial assistance to support its annual canoe treasure hunt at Bishopsthorpe to cover operating costs and enable any money raised from the event to go directly to organising further recreational activities. Durham region provided the funding last year and has agreed to repeat the donation for 2022.

Philip Puckrin from Humbledon Outdoor Activities Association explains: “For the last 40 years we have organised an annual programme of recreational activities for people with disabilities. This involves several charitable fund raising events held in York, including an annual canoe treasure hunt at Bishopthorpe.

“This is a family event that is very well supported and enjoyed by the general public and as such we are keen to hold it again in September 2022. We found ourselves needing to cover the high costs of waterproof maps and hire of toilet facilities that are required to enable the event to take place. In 2021 Persimmon Homes generously supported our event which meant that 18 people with disabilities, plus their carers and supporters could enjoy an afternoon’s activity on the River Ouse.

“We are very grateful to Persimmon Homes Durham for helping us again this year by donating the £150 we needed to cover the costs of printing the maps and the hire of the toilet facilities. We always strive to make the best use of donated funds, so having Persimmon Homes meeting our fixed costs means we can use all the event profits to organise further recreational activities for people with disabilities.”

Richard Cook, managing director for our Durham region, added: “We are delighted to be able to help Humbledon Outdoor Activities with the operating costs for their event, meaning that all money raised will go straight into their events programme. This is a great cause at the very heart of the community and it is good to see the money being put to good use.”